Summary of Suspended-Sediment Concentration Data, San Francisco Bay, California, Water Year 2002

Optical backscatterance sensors and water samples were used to monitor suspended sediment at two sites in Suisun Bay, three sites in San Pablo Bay, two sites in Central San Francisco Bay, and three sites in South San Francisco Bay. Sensors were positioned at two depths at most sites.

Water samples were collected periodically and were analyzed for concentrations of suspended sediment. The results of the analyses were used to calibrate the electrical output of the optical backscatterance sensors so that a record of suspended-sediment concentrations could be derived. This report presents the data-collection methods used and summarizes the suspended-sediment concentration data collected from October 2001 through September 2002.